A Scandinavian Christmas with Magnum Chorum

Gloria in excelsis Deo!  Celebrate the joy of Christmas in true Scandinavian style as the voices of Magnum Chorum bring the miraculous Christmas story to life in a splendid smorgasbord of Scandinavian carols, hymns and lullabies.  You'll hear vibrant music from Norway by Grieg and Kverno and the prayerful Stay With Us by Hovland.  From Sweden, come the charming and nostalgic Jul, jul, strålende jul by Nordqvist, Nu ar det Jul Igen, and Sandström's Lo, How a Rose.  Enjoy a traditional yoik from the Sami people playing on the Beautiful Savior tune, and beloved melodies from Finland and Denmark.  A Lullaby on Christmas Eve by F.M. Christiansen and heartwarming Children of the Heavenly Father promise a radiant moment for you and yours at Wayzata Community Church.  

Recognized for expressive singing and inspired programs, Magnum Chorum brings artistry and spirit to a cappella choral music.  The 48-voice chamber choir presents colorful concerts, commissions and premieres new sacred works, and provides music for worship.  Founded in the choral tradition of St. Olaf College, the choir welcomes singers of all backgrounds devoted to musical excellence in sacred choral music.  Now in its 19th season, Magnum Chorum also serves as Choir in Residence at Westwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park, MN.

Northfield resident, Christopher Aspaas, has served as the Music Director and conductor of Magnum Chorum since the fall of 2008. Magnum Chorum's newest recording, Love Divine, is a compilation of live performances from the 2008-2009 concert season under Aspaas' leadership.

The Program

Amid the cold of winter,
Prepare the Way trad. Swedish, arr. Margareta Jalkeus
Maa on niin kaunis (sung in Finnish) Sami yoik, arr. Frode Fjellheim
Lost in the Night trad. Finnish, arr. Kyle Haugen

HYMN: Jeg er så glad

I am so glad…
I am so glad trad. Norwegian, arr. Ellingboe
Guiding Star Carol trad. Danish, arr. O.C. Christiansen

the Prince of Peace
Hvad est du skjon Edvard Grieg
Gloria in excelsis Deo Jan Sandström

blossoms as a rose in the desert.
Ave Maris Stella Trond Kverno
Lo, How a Rose Sven-David Sandström

HYMN: Beautiful Savior

Den yndigste rose Henrik Ødegaard
O Day Full of Grace arr. F. Melius Christiansen

intermission

Love is born,
Nu ar det Jul ingen trad. Swedish, arr. Carolyn Jennings
Jul, jul, strålende jul! Gustav Nordqvist, arr. Dan Davison
O Yule Full of Gladness trad. Norwegian, arr. Carolyn Jennings

HYMN: Prepare the Royal Highway

and I am free!
Guds Son har gjort mig fri Edvard Grieg

Thee will I cherish
Ave Maris Stella Edvard Grieg
Fairest Lord Jesus arr. Charles Forsberg
Lullaby on Christmas Eve F. Melius Christiansen

HYMN: Silent Night

as night is falling.
Children of the Heavenly Father arr. Robert Scholz
Stay With Us Egil Hovland